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Published on July 11th, 2019 | by Landon Buford0
Isiah Thomas, Chairman and CEO of Cheurlin Imports Partners with AT&T Humanity of Connection and Essence to Celebrate the 25th Essence Festival
New Orleans, LA – NBA Hall of Famer and Chairman and CEO of Cheurlin Imports, partnered with Essence Communication Inc. and AT&T’s Humanity of Connection, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Essence Festival by serving Thomas’s Cheurlin Champagne as the featured Champagne of Essence Fest from July 5th-7th in New Orleans, LA.
Cheurlin Champagne was served the AT&T’s Humanity of Connections Kick-off event, “Bubbles and Brunch,” which was co-hosted by the National Basketball Players Association and The Shadow League, and honored Traci Otey Blunt, SVP Corporation Communications, NFL; and Michele Roberts, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players for their trailblazing careers as philanthropist and women in sports.
(Pictured: Michele Roberts, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association; Claudia Jones, Claudia Jones, Vice President, Public Affairs & Federal Media Relations, AT&T; Isiah Thomas, NBA Hall of Famer & Chairman and CEO of Cheurlin IMPORTS, Traci Otey Blunt, SVP Corporate Communications, The National Football League; Tanya Lombard, VP of Multicultural Engagement and Strategic Alliances, AT&T.)
“It was important that I partner with a corporation like AT&T Humanity of Connections for my participation in the 25th Essence Festival,” Thomas said. “Connectivity is a part of what holds our communities together. Having the opportunity to honor Traci and Michele for their groundbreaking careers as entrepreneurs, philanthropist and women in sports felt like the natural message we wanted to connect and convey to our audience.”
Cheurlin Champagne was also served at the Beauty Bar, a VIP experience for festival attendees who visited the Beauty Carnival; a curated experience of beauty influencers and health and wellness experts, in celebration of Black Beauty.
(Pictured: Isiah Thomas’s Tasting at Essence Festival Beauty Carnival)
“When producing Cheurlin Champagne, it was important that I focused on making a product that would drive awareness of the actual nutritional health and ingredients found in alcohol. We are in an age where people are becoming more aware of what they eat and how their diets impact their overall health,” Thomas said. “That’s why I chose to make a product that had low to no added sugar and would combat the ‘hangover’ feeling consumers get when drinking some other champagnes.”
During the celebration, Thomas also participated in a toast with Richelieu Dennis, President of Essence Venture and Jack Dorsey, Co-Founder of Twitter and CEO of Square at the Black Global Economic Forum, a panel where seasoned business moguls and inspiring entrepreneurs illuminate the road ahead towards building economic empowerment and generational wealth.
(Pictured: Richelieu Dennis, President of Essence Venture; Jack Dorsey, Co-Founder of Twitter and CEO of Square at the Black Global Economic Forum;Isiah Thomas, NBA Hall of Famer & Chairman and CEO of Cheurlin IMPORTS
The champagne was also served at a series of other events through the festival, including The Black Wine Experience, along with AT&T Humanity Connection leadership events that highlighted legendary leaders like Al Sharpton and Marc Morial.
About ISIAH Imports/Cheurlin Champagne :
Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, Isiah Lord Thomas III’s professional career spans more than three decades in sports, business, and entertainment. Isiah has garnered worldwide attention for his contributions in all levels of professional basketball, including induction into the NBA Hall of Fame, and for his distinctive business start-ups and philanthropic endeavors.
A wine and champagne enthusiast, Isiah wanted a bottle of great tasting champagne without the added sugar found in most brands. His research revealed France’s champagne growers pay homage to nature focusing on soil, topography, and climate. Isiah concluded that artisanship was the answer and the future of champagne. His pursuit led him to the Cheurlin family who has crafted France’s finest champagnes since 1788. Confident they are the region’s best producer of champagne – an alliance was born.
For more information on Award-winning Cheurlin Champagne products, visit www.Cheurlin.com.
About AT&T Humanity of Connection:
The Humanity of Connection is a special profile of dynamic stories about AT&T and community leaders who embody the foundation of excellence. It is a conversation about people who elevate the community. It defines the essence of their spirit and inspires all to feel empowered. By shining a light on the people, places, and moments that celebrate us, AT&T providing a platform to honor the innovators who move the culture forward.
About Essence Communications Inc.
Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 24 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.


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Cyprus is set to remove all of its Covid-19-related entry restrictions from the start of next month. The popular island, located south of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea, has become the latest country in the world to announce the lifting of its Covid-19-related entry requirements in a move that should be welcomed by travelers and island businesses. as we head into a busy summer of continental travel.
In announcing the imminent removal of its Covid-19 entry requirements, Cyprus is following in the footsteps of fellow Europeans Belgium and Germany, which made similar announcements to end restrictions over the past week. Here’s a look at how entry requirements are expected to change for the country, as well as a look at Cyprus’ other Covid-19 restrictions that will also be on the way out in the coming days.
Restrictions removed – Information for travelers
Although much smaller than most of its European neighbours, Cyprus generally does well in terms of tourism. Before the pandemic, the country welcomed more than 4 million tourists a year, making it the sixth most visited country per capita of local population in the world. The pandemic has all but brought travel to the country to a halt, with strict entry restrictions making a journey not at all pleasant for travelers – but that may soon change.
Just last night, the Cypriot government announced that the country would remove all its Covid-19 related entry restrictions, much to the delight of the country’s residents and travelers around the world. The removal of the current entry requirements will take effect from June 1 and will make travel to the country the same as before the pandemic.
The new changes mean that from June 1, travelers will no longer be required to present proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, proof of recovery from the virus or a negative test result to enter the country. All travelers will need a passport and a valid visa where applicable – just like travel was done in the good old days. The changes apply to all travelers, regardless of nationality or country of origin. The requirement to complete a passenger locator form was removed in April.
The Cypriot government also made another important announcement on Friday that will affect travelers to the country. From June 1, the wearing of face masks will no longer be mandatory in indoor areas – including airports – building on previous changes that allowed travelers to do without when outdoors. While these are small changes, they make the idea of booking a vacation in the country much more appealing to travellers.
Travelers will still be required to wear face masks in medical-related places, such as hospitals and clinics, so visitors to the country should make sure to pack a few masks in their luggage just in case. According to Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos, the changes signal a return to normality for the island – a change that several other countries around the world have also pivoted to in recent months.
It’s been a good week for the easing of restrictions around the world, with more and more countries making it easier for travelers to enter. In Europe, countries like Germany, Belgium and Austria have each scrapped their entry requirements, while several other destinations around the world, such as Vietnam and Israel, have also made it easier to visit.
Germany scraps all summer entry requirements
Travel insurance that covers Covid-19 for 2022
Record number of direct flights between the United States and Greece this summer
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The ’80s were the decade of spandex. While the ’90s, well, were a mix of everything. Now as we enter the millennium, low-rise jeans have become the must have in every young woman’s closet.
Senior Jamila Anderson participated as a model in “Dress for Success,” an event showcasing business attire clothing held Monday night at Steinmart on Foothill Boulevard.
Some call it a form of expression. Others call it desecration of the body. Well, whatever you call it, piercing and stretching seem to be the fad. But although many students at the University of La Verne can be seen sporting this new trend, there are others who feel that piercing should be considered much […]
There is nothing minimalist when it comes to fashion this season. The emphasis is on detail and unique styles for both men and women for a new, hipper, fresher look.
Everyone, I have a confession to make. Are you still reading? I must admit to all of you that I, like 50 percent of Americans, am overweight, which means I wear a dress size bigger than a 14.
Hair today, gone tomorrow is a motto that a lot of women live by when they follow the latest hair trends.
This summer a variety of shoes are popular, and depending on how much money you want to spend, you can always find a good looking pair of shoes to go with every outfit.
This spring and summer there is a variety of styles out there for men and women to look “hot” in.
From traditional African garb to hip-hop wear, this unique and trendy fashion was modeled in the first “Soul Sensation Fashion Show,” presented by the African American Student Alliance. Since December, members of AASA have been planning this anticipated event.
The International Students Organization held a fashion show on Wednesday.


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The Texas Tech Red Raiders take their undefeated record on the road, Saturday, to Norman, Oklahoma.
And here at home... team spirit is growing.
We had a chance to go out and talk to some of those fans on the campus who could not be more excited for the game.
But-- they all agree that this is going to be a big deciding factor in how the rest of the season will play out.
Along with this excitement... Red Raider Outfitters have created a special t-shirt just for Texas Tech fans to wear all weekend...
They say the purpose of these shirts is to unite our team as one... and "boom those sooners" spirits!
"The top line on this shirt is ride together. And I think that really says a lot. It's really important that as a fan base we really all 'ride together' and show everybody what Texas Tech is about. So, this shirt definitely represents that. It is black, it's intimidating, it's exciting for a very exciting game," says Katie Savage at Red Raider Outfitters.
The shirts are at all Red Raider Outfitters locations for just $20.
And even if you are staying here for this weekend- wear it around the Hub City to show your support!
Copyright 2013 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Technology companies’ interests in health and fitness has skyrocketed in the past few years. Today, there is a wide range of wearable devices, from simple pedometers that count your steps, to devices that monitor your sleep, body temperature and heart rate. Yet, we are still early stages of this process. As wearable technology becomes less expensive and more powerful, in the not too distant future, wearables will become an integral part of the healthcare system.
Survey Sampling International recently conducted a survey of 500 insured consumers who use mobile-enabled health applications or devices. About a half those surveyed said they use fitness apps, 46% said they use a food and nutrition app, 39% a weight loss app, 38% a wearable activity tracking device, 28% a pharmacy app, 22% a patient portal, 19% a blood pressure app and 14% a symptoms navigator.
According to the survey, some 42% of respondents said their biggest motivator to use digital health tools is knowing their numbers. Improving their health was the next biggest motivator accounting for 26% of responses, followed by accountability 19%.
Just over a half of respondents said they are enrolled in a wellness respondents and two-thirds said their program offered incentives for using digital health. This, however, was not a big motivator, with only 10% citing incentives as a reason for using mobile-enabled health applications or devices.
“Digital health tools have exploded in growth — but more so in the lifestyle management category than in clinical/disease management.” HealthMine CEO Bryce Williams said in a statement.
“Every member may not benefit from an activity tracker. For these tools to be effective, they must be tailored to individual needs and connect to the individual’s bigger picture of health data.”


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Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10 (IANS): After Hindi, Tamil and Marathi, Notion Press, which bills itself as the country’s largest book publishing platform, announced on Thursday that it will now also support Malayalam-language books.
Authors, who aspire to publish their books and have a global reach, will be able to do so for free, the Chennai-based company said, adding that publishing would only take three simple steps and there is dedicated online support for help them. through the process.
Writers can publish stories in their preferred language, both as paperbacks and e-books, which can be sold to readers in more than 100 countries, he said.
Notion Press CEO Naveen Valsakumar said the demand for Indian language books has always been huge and will grow exponentially in the coming years.
“We are excited to enter a market with such potential and hope to share stories with the world that will represent a unique culture and provide an unparalleled experience for readers,” he said.
Launched in 2012, Notion Press claims to have authors from all over the world and has successfully published over 40,000 books and sells them in over 150 countries.
Apart from introducing Indian languages, writers to the world stage, Notion Press has successfully created a platform for distinguished writers, scholars, poets, historians, journalists and other professional and fiction writers.


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Russian operatives likely spent tens of thousands of dollars on ads across Google products, including YouTube and Google search, according to reports.
Accounts connected with the Russian government spent $4,700...
Saturday, Oct 7, 2017 at 08:23 PM PDT
Big Tech Has Big Plans to Help Reconnect Puerto Rico
Facebook and Google once aimed to connect the world. Now they would be happy just to reconnect part of it.
In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg pledged to send a "connectivity team"...
Internet service provider AOL will shut down its once-ubiquitous instant messaging service AIM in December, the company announced on Twitter Friday.
"All good things come to an end. On Dec. 15, we'll bid...
Thursday, Oct 5, 2017 at 01:02 PM PDT
Startup Aims to Produce Hybrid-Electric Planes by 2022
Google on Wednesday unveiled new phones, smart speakers and other devices infused with artificial intelligence in its bid to claim the high ground against rivals Amazon and Apple.
The second generation of...
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 at 08:03 AM PDT
Amazon, Georgia: If You Name It, Will Company Come?
Officials from a recently incorporated city outside Atlanta want to shed some of their new municipality's land and rename it Amazon, Georgia. Their hope is that the change will spur the e-commerce giant to...
Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 at 07:18 AM PDT
Amazon Must Pay $295 Million in Back Taxes, EU Says
Amazon has to pay $295 million in back taxes to Luxembourg, the European Union ordered Wednesday, in its latest attempt to tighten the screws on multinationals it says are avoiding taxes through sweetheart deals...


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Proposals for Walmart stores in South Milwaukee and West Milwaukee moved forward Monday night.
The South Milwaukee Community Development Authority recommended approval of the sale of 3.6 acres of land to Gatlin Development Co. Inc., Dickson, Tenn., for a 115,000-square-foot Walmart at North Chicago Avenue just south of East College Avenue, said Kyle Vandercar, city engineer. Gatlin also is buying 6.5 acres in adjacent Innovation Park.
The authority also recommended approval of an amendment to the existing tax incremental financing plan to allow TIF money to pay for remediation work on both parcels. In September, the city council approved a developer’s agreement with Gatlin that would provide up to $1.8 million in TIF money, including $800,000 for remediation of the city-owned site and up to $1 million for remediation of the other parcel.
The city council will hold public hearings on the two actions Oct. 18. It will hold a hearing the same night on proposals to vacate part of 11th Avenue for the project and change the zoning.
In West Milwaukee, the village board approved a controversial financing proposal that will use $4.2 million in TIF money for a 147,000-square-foot store along West Greenfield Avenue and South 41st Street, village president Ron Hayward said. Much of the money will go to rebuild the road there with new utilities, sewers, an underground retention pond and a new traffic signal, although nearly $1 million will be used to renovate a nearby strip center to make way for the store.
Hayward said the approval was one of the hardest decisions he’s made in his many years as village president, but he believes it’s the right thing.
The village board will hold a joint meeting with the plan commission Oct. 11 to discuss a zoning change connected to the project.


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The fashion industry and cigarettes have long gone hand-in-hand, but in a refreshing and modern take on marketing tobacco control messages to young people, the US-based truth® campaign has partnered with fashion model Tyra Banks to launch the “Smoke Your Eyes, Not Cigarettes” campaign.
The “Smoke Your Eyes, Not Cigarettes” collaboration with truth shapes perceptions of health and beauty with the goal of saving lives.
Banks’ own grandmother passed away from serious complications caused by long-term tobacco use.
“During my modeling career, never did I once light up a cigarette. There was enough ‘smoke’ around my eyes… I didn’t need any in my lungs!” says Banks.
Since the launch of the truth campaign in 2000, teen cigarette use has dropped from 23% to just 8%. However, while cigarette smoking has declined, tobacco use as a whole has remained steady due to emerging tobacco products like flavored cigars and hookah as well as the misperceptions surrounding social smoking. truth aims to spark conversations about tobacco.
Source: LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwired – Nov 12, 2015)


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Blockchain is being embraced across the live music industry, from tout-proofing tickets and enhancing cashless systems to potentially transforming the content of merch desks forever. Access investigates.
Perhaps best known as the record-keeping technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, blockchain is increasingly being used by the events industry for an array of purposes from providing the bedrock of secure digital tickets and cashless systems to tracking and recording the completion of tasks and safety protocols on event sites.
Essentially, blockchain enables the storage of historical records that can be added to but not altered. Or, as Syniverse Technologies’ Monique Morrow eloquently puts it, “It’s a ledger for storage, a database connected together by blocks that is immutable – it’s a single source of truth providing you with complete transparency.”
“It’s a single source of truth providing you with complete transparency.”
Blockchain is an obvious fit for the ticketing industry and its battle against touts and counterfeiters. Among the many services to make use of the technology is Eventbrite, while Ticketmaster has made significant steps into the field not least with its acquisitions of blockchain ticketing platform UPGRADED in 2018.
Meanwhile, cloud-based ticketing engagement platform SecuTix and its mobile ticketing application TIXnGO are becoming increasingly widely used across the events industry. West Bromwich Albion FC is the latest client win for the white-label B2B service, while others include Lancashire Cricket Club, the Paléo rock festival in Switzerland and UEFA.
TIXnGO’s blockchain technology creates a unique, encrypted, ticket for smartphones that is completely traceable. It removes the risk of counterfeit tickets and makes it easy for fans to transfer or resell securely. The platform also provides an option for Covid self-certification.
SecuTix Northern Europe, UK & Ireland MD David Hornby says that one of the greatest advantages of using blockchain-supported ticketing technology is the value of the data and security it provides: “It means you know who everyone in the venue is and from a security perspective the tickets will have a bar code that is activated at the venue, so it illiminates touting and fraud.”
SecuTix, the ticketing arm of Swiss software development company ELCA, has been around for almost 20 years but its TIXnGO blockchain technology is a relatively new development. A SecuTix client for more than a decade, Paléo was one of the first festivals to use TIXnGO.
Hornby says Paléo is attended by nearly 250,000 people over six nights: “Among them are 10,000 stakeholders on site; everyone from caterers to production people. They all get tickets for the event, and for many years those tickets were used as currency – they were seen as part of the deal. The event owners wanted a way to better manager that process. TIXnGO manages the ticketing distribution, tracks the ownership and where they go.
“When the tickets are delivered you have a time stamp code that is registered in the blockchain. Because it is in blockchain it means other people can see who owns the ticket and when it was purchased. The blockchain allows you to set rules around who can own the ticket and what they can do with it, the promoter is able to set those terms.”
Intelligent Venue Solutions director Paul Pike says that the industry is moving away from RFID (Radio-frequency identification) cashless solutions and the focus is now very much on the use of mobile phone apps.
“I’ve always felt that preloading wristbands is just a bit archaic, especially now we are coming out of the pandemic, and everyone is used to using their smartphones for transactions,” he says.
With that in mind, Pike has partnered with EPOS (electronic point of sale) company Bleep on the creation of a blockchain-supported cashless payments app that has been tested at event this year including Wilderness, Latitude (pictured), Download Pilot and the Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Pike says the app has been developed with the aim of to not only enabling the swift purchasing of food, beverages and merch but to provide a platform for promotions and discounts via sponsors.
With the app not due to launch until next month, Pike is tight lipped about the branding, but he says a “large international promoter is set to adopt the system”.
“It is a cashless app tied to a digital wallet that uses blockchain technology,” he says. “It will not only enable event owners to gain a better understanding of who is at their events but will benefit event-goers and sponsors by enabling promotions and loyalty rewards. It has been developed in partnership with Imagination and Dave Birch of Consult Hyperion.”
Pike believes one of the app’s biggest advantages is the fact it gives promoters and event owners the ability to gain a clear picture of exactly who is attending their shows.
He says, “At festivals, none of the organisers know who’s walking through their doors, which in this day and age is incredible. The success of companies such as Tesco’s is based on the fact that they have developed ways of knowing who their customers are, what they’re interested in and what they buy.”
“At festivals, none of the organisers know who’s walking through their doors, which in this day and age is incredible.”
Pike says the app will enable promoters and event sponsors to have a much closer relationship, to the benefit of both parties and their customers: “You have got sponsors spending a lot of money on activations. With an app like ours it enables them to use the data to create a relationship directly with the attendees who have opted in, and extend the activation programme beyond the event.
“Potentially it could also help the promoter get additional revenue out of it because instead of the sponsor having to employ an agency, it could employ the promoter to handle it. There’s always been a disconnect between selling sponsorship and activating it but if the promoter has the opportunity to say ‘this is what it is going to cost you to be the brand partner, and we will drive it for you’ it become a two-way street. I’ve always thought that’s the ultimate goal.”
Mentions of NFTs or non-fungible token have become hard to miss in the media, and barely a day goes by without their use in the music industry hitting headlines. Essentially, an NFT is a physical asset that has become digitised, with its value largely based on the fact it is unique data stored on blockchain.
Recent uses of NFTs in the music industry include Def Jam Records founder Russell Simmons launching hip-hop’s first collection of NFTs in the shape of recordings and artwork from acts including Public Enemy.
Among the many NFTs sold have ranged from sound recording and publishing rights in songs to video game applications. While the buzz around NFTs has diminished somewhat since its peak in Spring this year, many event professionals are convinced they have a future in the live events industry, not least with concert ticketing for the tout-busting reasons mentioned above. But, with blockchain enabling the creation of scarcity for a digital product, or NFT, and then authenticating ownership and transactions for them, it’s perhaps unsurprising that someone has launched a marketplace for limited-edition digital music collectibles.
Serenade is the brainchild of Australian tech entrepreneur and former artist manager Max Shand (pictured), who says his mission with the marketplace is to enable artists to build closer relationships with fans while creating dynamic new revenue streams for artists of all sizes.
“The idea is that Serenade creates opportunities for artists to deliver merchandise to fans that is truly reflective of their music and artistry – potentially much more than just a black t-shirt at a gig,” he says. “There are also wonderful opportunities to leverage that epic concert that happened two or 20 years ago – that encore or that beautiful bridge – where there was a great performance there’s an opportunity for collectors to want to own that.
“Going forward there’s also an opportunity to give concertgoers the opportunity to walk away with a recording of the show that they just attended, that’s something that we’re working on.”
When it comes to selling NFTs on the merch desk at concerts and festivals, Shand says that functionality is also very much in the pipeline: “You could have a QR code on a merch table that distracts me from buying yet another black band T-shirt and allows me to walk away with something that is closer to the creative heart of that artists, whether that be music, some wonderful artwork or a recent or historic live recording.”
NFTs are not limited to collectable products, they can also be used to acquire live event upgrade experiences such as meet and greets with performers.
“We are enabling artists to link money-can’t-buy experiences on their product page, such as an exclusive access experience that unlocks when you are in the venue,” says Shand.
Music industry veteran Mike Smith’s long and impressive CV includes being managing director of Columbia Records UK and president of two Universal Music UK labels – Mercury Records and Virgin/EMI. Currently the global president at Downtown Music Publishing, Smith is convinced NFTs will have a considerable part to play in the future of the live music business.
He says, “An NFT can be displayed as a work of art in a very traditional sense as well as something that only lives on your laptop. Imagine if you had the opportunity to buy the view from behind [former Led Zeppelin drummer] John Bonham’s drum kit after a gig. Now obviously you can’t get that anymore but you could have the view from the stage at a gig you have just watched. What was it like during the IDLES gig that you’ve just watched? I think people will want that.”


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Credit-Card Balances Are Ballooning
Consumers are turning to their credit cards to keep shopping now that most households can't use their home equity as a virtual ATM. Solid hiring and wage gains have let people rack up larger debt balances with few problems. Now relying on plastic could place more stress on consumer finances, which ultimately could lead to a pullback in spending.
Since the housing downturn got under way in 2006 the growth in consumer installment debt has accelerated, driven by swelling credit-card balances. Over the latest 12 months through July, revolving credit increased 6.4% from the prior year, while nonrevolving debt, which includes loans for vehicles, mobile homes, and education, rose 3.6%.
Shoppers are likely to use their credit cards more frequently now that the holiday season is approaching, says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com. But the financial supports that have let consumers rack up debt with little stress to their balance sheets look far less likely to be in place this winter. "Home values are falling, the stock market is flat at best, gas prices are not going lower, and the job market is now softening," Zandi says.
There are some nascent signs of trouble. Credit-card delinquency rates are beginning to tick up modestly in regions where the labor and housing markets are weakening the most, including in California, Florida, Nevada, and the Midwest.
If the financial market turmoil clears up soon, the damage to the economy and hiring should remain pretty limited. But if continuing troubles in the credit and housing markets should result in meager job growth—at a level similar to August's increase in private nonfarm payrolls of just 24,000 workers—that would lead to measurably higher credit-card delinquency rates by this time next year, according to Zandi.
That would ultimately force consumers to rein in their spending, putting more downward pressure on the labor market and the economy.
By James Mehring


text: I just got back from my local AT&T store and was looking at the iPhone. The guy working there told me that he just got a memo from AT&T corporate this past weekend that said they were going to raise the price of the iPhone back to $599 after Jan 31st. He said it was because it has been selling better than they expected. Has anyone else heard anything about this? If it's true I think that this is a big mistake by Apple and AT&T.


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Suddenly it's the weekend and you've been so busy you've barely been able to get on to Automotive.com to get your daily fix of all that's happening in the world of autos.
Read This Article
The 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show opened this weekend, and Automotive.com was on the scene at every debut, every unveiling, and every late-night party.
Toyota has unveiled updates on select 2014 models.
The past few years has seen major shakeups in the automotive industry, and it shows in a recent survey on brand perception conducted by Consumer Reports.


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UK Telegraph – Prof Mark Post, of Maastricht University in the Netherlands, yesterday announced the world’s first test tube hamburger would be served up in October. Heston Blumenthal, the experimental chef, will cook the patty grown in a lab from a cow’s stem cells. Each portion will cost £220,000, but Prof Post hopes if the burger is a success he can develop the technology on an industrial scale.
Post’s aim is to invent an efficient way to produce skeletal muscle tissue in a laboratory that exactly mimics meat, and eventually replace the entire meat-animal industry.
The ingredients for his first burger are “still in a laboratory phase,” he said, but by spring “we have committed ourselves to make a couple of thousand of small tissues, and then assemble them into a hamburger.”
Post spoke at a symposium titled “The Next Agricultural Revolution” at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Vancouver.
Speakers said they aim to develop such “meat” products for mass consumption to reduce the environmental and health costs of conventional food production.
Conventional meat and dairy production requires more land, water, plants and disposal of waste products than almost all other human foods, they said.
The global demand for meat is expected to rise by 60 percent by 2050, said American scientist Nicholas Genovese, who organized the symposium.


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Since the last year and a half or so, the world has been facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, digital transformation that might have taken several years, took place in a span of few months only. While earlier, people criss-crossed across the globe just to attend meetings, digitalization makes it possible now to do the same in the comfort of one’s home. From healthcare to education, to citizen services, agriculture, banking and manufacturing, every sector and industry has been transformed with digital technology at the core.
Digitization led to a boom in various sectors like financial services, digital payments, e-commerce, logistics and transportation, energy, healthcare and agriculture. Further, digitization of Government services has enabled direct benefit transfers to beneficiaries.
CII has adopted the vision of USD 1 trillion digital economy as guiding principle to design its interventions in the digital space. Around 50% of the contribution of digital economy will be from IT adoption by various sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, education, energy, manufacturing, future jobs etc.
To promote facilitation of the digital adoption, CII has established a Centre for Digital Transformation, which is working to support large number of non-IT companies, especially MSMEs. The centre is working in the areas of capacity building, assessment and advising companies on their digital transformation journey. While digital transformation is key for a digital economy, today it is an imperative for Indian Industry to be globally competitive. Almost 70% of CII’s membership base is MSMEs and CII has been interacting with them at the grassroot level through our 62 offices across the country to help them in their digital journey.
Smart Manufacturing Platform
CII also has a Smart Manufacturing Platform that provides Industry 4.0 assessment and advisory to evaluate an enterprise adoption of smart manufacturing. The platform is a marketplace of technologies / applications / products for Industry 4.0 implementation through an e-directory. It provides case studies and connects companies with technology demo centres to have first-hand understanding and experience. Taking this initiative forward, CII is now in the process of establishing Industry 4.0 / smart manufacturing clusters and technology demo centres in various parts of the country.
Connectivity and Speed of Internet
Universal connectivity and speed of internet are going to determine the pace of growth of the digital economy. One area, which needs further intervention is about strengthening our digital infrastructure especially related to broadband highways and mobile connectivity. For driving this important issue and to address the underlying issues, CII prepared a report titled ‘Broadband Infrastructure Fund for Efficient Digital Infrastructure Rollout’ and one of the key recommendations in the report includes setting-up of a ‘Broadband Infrastructure Fund’ for efficient digital infrastructure roll-out. The proposed fund could be used to finance various digital infrastructure deployment across the country.
State Governments’ Technology Adoption
State governments plays a crucial role, not only in innovation and adaptation of new waves of digital technologies but also in the assimilation and diffusion of these technologies across the region. Technology plays a crucial role in the development of a nation, thus policies and initiative by each state contributes to the GDP and improves the performance of the country in the aspect of innovation and technology.
The states are measured under five enabler parameters, and the output through two performance parameters. While human capital, investment, knowledge workers, business environment, safety and legal environment were identified as enabler parameters, knowledge output and knowledge diffusion were chosen as the performance parameters.
India is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for digital consumers. As digital capabilities improve and connectivity becomes better, technology will quickly and radically change nearly every sector of India’s economy. Breakthroughs in digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing and IoT, combined with nano science, biotechnology and advanced material sciences, are spearheading digital transformation. The pandemic has further emphasized the need and urgency to implement these emerging technologies.
The article by Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan, Past President, CII and Chairman, CII Digital Council, Co-founder, Infosys Ltd and Chairman, Axilor Ventures Pvt Ltd, first appeared in the November 2021 issue of CII Communique. Click here to read.


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Eye-Fi Launches Faster Class 10 Wi-fi SD Card at 16GB Capacity
Eye-Fi has just launched a larger and faster Wi-Fi SD card, the Pro X2 16GB class 10 SD Card for $99. The price of previous flagship card, the Pro X2 8GB Class 6 Wi-Fi SD Card has now dropped to $79.99.
You can pre-order the new 16GB Pro X2 at Amazon.com.
Does anyone use the Eye-Fi card in their workflow? How do you like it?
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., October 3, 2012 — Eye-Fi Inc. (www.eye.fi), makers of the world’s first wireless memory card, has announced today a new Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB, Class 10 card that increases both storage and speed capabilities while continuing to deliver convenient, reliable wireless upload of photos and videos from cameras. The new 16GB card provides twice the storage capacity of the prior Pro X2 card, while the Class 10 performance delivers ultra-fast read and write speeds. That means more power and speed for the same retail price of $99.99. And, the new Pro X2, like Eye-Fi’s other X2 series cards, enables you to wirelessly connect a camera to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or use an authorized WiFi network to move content directly to a computer.
“Cameras have more megapixels, and pictures and videos are more demanding in terms of size. Moving to a 16GB, Class 10 card keeps up with these trends and delivers what our customers have been asking for,” said Yuval Koren, CEO and co-founder of Eye-Fi. “Customers already know and love our Eye-Fi cards for instant wireless uploads, so the added space and faster speeds are a great addition, especially with the highest-volume photo days coming up.”
Anyone with the new 16GB, Class 10 card can immediately use Eye-Fi’s popular features to:
Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card is available for pre-orders that ship within the United States for $99.99 USD from Amazon.com. The card will also be available, within the coming weeks, for customers in Australia for $108.00 AUD and Japan for ¥9980. With the launch of the new Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card, the previous Eye-Fi Pro X2 8GB and the Eye-Fi Mobile X2 8GB will be reduced from $99.99 to $79.99 and $79.99 to $59.99, respectively, starting this month. For more information, visit www.eye.fi.


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The IGTC was finally held in February 2022 instead of December. Furthermore, it ended with Audi Sporting Customer Racing tasting the sweet scent of success.
Audi has given RS Q E-Tron an engine makeover by introducing in it a high-voltage battery. It is an embodiment of electric car innovation at its best.
Team India to make a Dash at the BMW Motorrad International GS announced.
Since the centenary year of Bugatti Type 13 cars taking top four positions at the Vetturette racing event was fast approaching, Bugatti decided to commemorate it in grand style.


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Insurers and CMCs ‘do not monitor the quality of repairs effectively’
The Competition Commission (CC) has recommended compulsory audits of vehicle repairs because insurers and claims management companies (CMCs) ‘do not monitor the quality of repairs effectively’, in its initial findings published today.
The report added that “there are significant limitations to consumers’ ability to assess the quality of repairs”.
The watchdog expressed concern that present audits focus on the cost of the repairs and checking that invoices reconcile with the work undertaken, rather than on the quality of repairs.
In response to this it has recommended compulsory audits of vehicle repairs to improve the quality of at-fault and non-fault repairs.
However, the report stressed that minimising additional costs would need to be taken into consideration.
It said: “We would need to consider how to minimise the additional costs that audit requirements could impose on repairers and insurers. We are not minded to require that each repair should be audited, rather that there should be periodic audits of repairers which assess the quality of repairs.”
The commission is also considering a mechanism for the audit results to be published, and if this would incentivise repairers, insurers and CMCs to ensure that repairs are undertaken to the appropriate standard.
The published results could either rank insurance companies and CMCs or give ratings according to their repair quality records.
The mechanism could act in conjunction with compulsory quality audits or in order to incentivise quality audits.
The report added: “These repair quality ratings could be required to be made available to consumers when choosing a repairer following an accident. We would expect that price comparison websites would also wish to use the information when assisting consumers in comparing insurers.”
The commission said it would not consider giving consumers the right to have their repairs assessed by independent experts at no cost if there is a problem with the repair.
It said this approach is “likely to be ineffective” because consumers could request assessment by independent experts on a random basis, which might create “considerable costs”.
The industry has until 17 January to respond to the recommendations.


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T-Mobile Offering Break-Up Fee to More Subscribers
T-Mobile is expanding the availability of its ETF-reimbursement program to the customers of other, smaller carriers. Speaking to Re/Code, T-Mobile marketing chief Mike Sievert said the company will reimburse subscribers early termination fees if they come from regional carriers, such as U.S. Cellular and others, that require contracts. The deal provides potential customers with up to $350 per line to cover ETFs, and up to another $300 for device trade-ins. Additionally, T-Mobile expanded the number of handsets that it will accept as trade-ins to increase the appeal for consumers considering the jump. The program was first unveiled by T-Mobile during the recent Consumer Electronics Show.
Here's What U.S. Carriers are Charging for the Samsung Galaxy Note9
Aug 10, 2018
All the major carriers in the U.S. plan to sell the Samsung Galaxy Note9 when it becomes available August 24.
All Major U.S. Carriers to Sell Galaxy Note9
Aug 9, 2018
Preorders for the Samsung Galaxy Note9 kick off on August 10. The 128 GB capacity variant will be available in blue and lavender from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, U.S Cellular, and Xfinity for $999.99.
LG G7 ThinQ Goes On Sale Today for $749
Jun 1, 2018
Sales of the LG G7 ThinQ phone kicked off in the U.S. today.
Verizon to Start Tacking $20 Fee to New Lines
Nov 13, 2015
Verizon Wireless will soon begin charging a $20 activation fee for new customers who sign up for one of its contract-free device payment plans. The fee goes into effect Nov.
Verizon Returns Fire On Contract Buyouts
Dec 28, 2015
Verizon today announced a program to buy out the contract and device debt of new customers switching from competitors. Verizon will now pay new customers up to $650 per line to cover competitors' early termination fee (ETF) or outstanding device payments.


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KUALA LUMPUR: The Government needs to give more support to women traders and entrepreneurs, says Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
The Special Adviser to the Prime Minister for Women and Social Development Affairs called for more funding for both groups in the 2015 Budget.
“The Government has to give more incentives to women traders and entrepreneurs, as it is harder for them to get loans although women have a good track record in paying up,” she said at the launch of the second Pasar Wanita (Pasarnita) Car Boot Sale here yesterday.
A start-up capital of at least RM100,000, she added, was needed to start a business.
Shahrizat said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should also provide a wholesale market site for women traders and entrepreneurs from the Klang Valley and other states.
Housewife Rosnita Isahar, 35, was happy to take part in the Pasarnita, saying she found it difficult to sell her homemade food online.
Pasarnita is organised by DBKL and the Women Entrepreneurship and Professional Development Department.


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Dangerous Goods Causes Dubai Port Blast
An explosion onboard the containership ‘Ocean Trader’ in Jebel Ali port rocked the city of Dubai this week, which was felt up to 25 km from the terminal.
The explosion was followed by an onboard fire which has been brought under control within an hour, fortunately no casualties were reported.
The vessel was badly damaged by the explosion and containers were hurled on the quayside as a direct result from the blast onboard the ship. The explosion has once again been attributed to dangerous cargo.
The shipping industry has been plagued by many deadly fires and explosions from mis-declared dangerous cargoes. The most recent significant incident being the vessel X-Press Pearl, which sank off the coast of Sri Lanka, two weeks after a fire started from a container leaking nitric acid.
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Dangerous Goods Logistics
Dangerous Goods Compliance
From 1st April 2022, new IATA regulations have once again been introduced for the movement of lithium batteries by air. These changes were buried in the IATA DG Regulations.
China introduced new legislations with regard to the importing and exporting of dangerous goods resulting in a crackdown on regulations and even more stringent checks.
A fire at a Chinese airport on Saturday has led to immediate suspicions that lithium batteries may have once again been the cause of an incident.


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From left: Danny Meisenheimer, chief operating officer; Jacqueline Kleis, manager of research and development; and Tim Taft, chief executive and president of Pollo Tropical parent Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc.
Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc. launched its first foray into Texas Friday with a prototype Pollo Tropical unit that includes a new design and menu items created expressly for the Lone Star State. For its first venture outside its core markets of Florida, Georgia and Tennessee, 105-unit Pollo Tropical will offer beef as a protein option and juice drinks with rum. “The major changes in this store are about bringing the Caribbean aspect alive,” said Danny Meisenheimer, Pollo ...
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If any restaurant understands olive oil, it’s one named Extra Virgin. Here, the executive chef of the Arlington, Va., eatery extols the virtues of olive oil beyond the flavor it imparts to dishes.
Anytime is a good time to consider heart health. After all, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America, killing more than 600,000 people yearly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even making small changes in your lifestyle and diet can add up to big results, over time. One such change that can give people a healthy benefit for the heart and beyond is to make the switch to olive oil.


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The Dow Jones Industrial Index in the United States fell 0.77% and yields on Treasuries rose on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve said there could be two rate hikes by 2023. In India, the benchmark Sensex fell slightly and the rupee lost more than 1% against the dollar on Thursday. While the Fed changed its stance based on the progress of the economic recovery and the inflation situation in the United States, in India as well, concerns about inflation have increased.
Inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) hit a record high of 12.94% in May, driven by higher fuel and commodity prices, and a weak base effect. It also translated into retail sales inflation of 6.30% in May – a six-month high that exceeded the Reserve Bank of India’s 4 ± 2% inflation target. While it remains to be seen how the RBI reacts, market participants believe that if inflation is accompanied by a rebound in the economy, it should not be of great concern to investors.
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What did the Federal Reserve say?
While maintaining they would maintain an accommodative monetary policy and bond buying program to support the economy, create jobs and achieve inflation of around 2%, Fed officials also discussed the hike. rates and a possible reduction, or decrease, in central bank bond purchases. program.
Contrary to what it said in March, the Fed signaled there could be at least two rate hikes by 2023 as indicators of economic activity strengthened and inflation strengthened . Some members were also in favor of a rate hike at least once in 2022. In March, the Fed signaled that it would keep rates close to zero until 2023.
In its statement on Wednesday, the Fed said it “is committed to using its full range of tools to support the US economy during this difficult time … Advances in vaccination have reduced the spread of Covid- 19 in the United States. Amid this progress and strong political support, economic activity and employment indicators have strengthened. “
How did the markets react?
A rise in interest rates in the United States is impacting the debt and equity markets, not only in the United States, but also in emerging economies such as India which have recorded foreign portfolio investment (FPI) record over the past year.
After the Fed signaled, the Dow Jones Industrial fell 265 points and the Treasury yield fell from 1.498% on Tuesday to 1.569% on Wednesday. In India, the benchmark Sensex lost 461 points or 0.87% on the day before recovering to close at 52,323 on Thursday, a decline of 0.34%. The rupee lost 75 paisa or 1% against the dollar on Thursday to close at 74.08.
What could be the impact of an anticipated rise in interest rates?
The Fed’s indication of an earlier-than-expected interest rate hike resulted in higher bond yields and a stronger dollar. At the same time, it has an impact on the currencies and stock markets of emerging economies.
The announcement of an interest rate hike in the United States not only results in an outflow from equities to US Treasury bonds, but also an outflow from emerging economies to the United States. Experts say that a rise in yields leads to a situation where they start to compete with stocks, which has an impact on market movements. The rupee is also expected to come under pressure as the dollar strengthens.
But many believe that if the economic recovery is strong in the United States and India, the impact of rising interest rates in the United States and some inflation might not be of great concern.
If the Fed’s position in March brought relief and stability to the market as it has given them nearly two years, the change in position should leave the markets a little vigilant.
After June saw Rs 14,500 crore REIT inflows into Indian capital markets, it remains to be seen whether there is a slowdown in the pace of inflows in the weeks and months ahead.
What are the concerns related to domestic inflation?
Wholesale price inflation has been rising for the past five months and is expected to rise further as the impact of high crude prices and surging commodity prices takes hold.
For a large number of commodities, their world prices are now reflected in their domestic prices. For example, gasoline, diesel and LPG experienced inflation of 62.3%, 66.3% and 60.9%, respectively, in May 2021. The food inflation component for retail price inflation rose significantly to 5.01% in May from 1.96% the month before. Some of the things that pushed retail price inflation were fuel, which recorded inflation at 11.6% (the highest since March 2021), transportation and communications at 12.6%, oil food at 30.8% and legumes at 9.3%.
Should we expect it to stay high and what can the RBI do?
Rising global crude oil and commodity prices are expected to push WPI inflation further in the coming months. As most developed countries opt for monetary stimulus, global commodity prices are rising against the backdrop of anticipation of a global economic recovery. In India, the ebb of the second wave of the pandemic and the increase in the number of vaccinations have raised expectations for a recovery in demand and higher prices for raw materials.
It would also lead to higher retail price inflation, putting the central bank on a tightrope to balance growth-inflation dynamics. While the RBI is unlikely to change its accommodative stance or policy rate anytime soon, it remains to be seen how it will react to global interest rate developments. Meanwhile, as there is no more room for a rate cut by the RBI, all eyes are on the government for fiscal policy action to stimulate growth.
Should investors be worried?
While global cash flows have boosted Indian markets over the past year, experts say rising interest rates in the United States and shrinking the monthly bond buying program (currently $ 120 billion dollars / month) could have an impact on stock market movements. These factors, and rising domestic inflation, will be critical to the movement of stock markets alongside economic recovery and growth.
The level of recovery in the Indian economy as the RBI hikes interest rates – which may still take some time – will be critical. The timing and pace of US interest is increased and the reduction in the bond buying program will also be critical for stock markets in India, which could see a cash out after the announcement.
While the Fed’s hawkish tone has not gone well with equity investors around the world, the impact on Indian stock markets has not been too pronounced. Pankaj Pandey, head of research at ICICIdirect.com, said that while interest rates will be increased in the future, he doesn’t expect a knee-jerk reaction. “As inflation rises, the underlying (factor) driving it is the economic rebound in the United States and India. While the United States will give a warning before raising rates and gradually reducing the bond buying program, even in India, the RBI seeks to ignore inflation for a while. I don’t see it as a big downside to the market if the economy is doing well, ”Pandey said.


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Digital academy expands training to plug skills gap
- Credit: Archant
More free courses for the public in response to the demand for skills to start and run a digital business has been announced by government body Tech City UK.
With the expansion of the Digital Business Academy (DBA) and the addition of new course content from learning provider Founder Centric, nine online courses from world-class educational institutions and industry experts will now be accessible.
Newly appointed head of the programme, Richard Dennys, 47, said: “The idea behind the Digital Business Academy is to offer a democratised of way of providing high quality learning content you wouldn’t usually get outside university and allow as many people as possible to access it.
“What we are trying to do is provide London’s fastest growing businesses with a conveyor belt of talent to help them fire off into the stratosphere.”
Since launching in November last year, more than 12,000 users have signed up to the platform.
Richard said: “The fact that so many people are taking and completing courses shows that the UK is embracing a truly entrepreneurial culture.
“The course completion rates have been double the industry average and we are seeing a real appetite for access to tangible digital business skills across the UK. With the addition of extra course material from Founder Centric, I’m incredibly excited to see the next phase of DBA and the digital ventures our course participants will embark upon”.
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He added: “It really feels that we are fighting the good fight – the great thing is hearing the stories from the outcome of what we are doing. When you work in the dotcom world it’s just a transaction.
“You don’t see what happens afterwards but people are living their dreams.”
The Digital Business Academy already offers eight online business courses from UCL, Cambridge Judge Business School and Founder Centric, and more than 43 industry partners including Microsoft Ventures, Ogilvy and the BBC.
It is a direct pipeline to partners offering paid internships, mentorship, specialist content, as well as startup support such as fast tracking to loans and free co-working space.
Tech City UK is also looking for further content providers, and a range of new partners are to be announced.
Richard said that east London was ideally suited to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of those in the tech industry.
He said: “The close proximity of everyone means you can see lots of people around. It is like the West Coast [of the USA] with more opportunity, and we are a small country so it’s easier to get things around, so we have everything on our side.
“It is also not as capitalist and sharp as the West Coast – there are a lot of social enterprises and people wanting to help others, not just be the next unicorn company.”
Courses on the Digital Businesses Academy are free to those living in the UK.
Richard said: “We just want people to know about it and as soon as they use it and the more people can use it, the better; we are helping businesses to help themselves.
“The academy is open to anyone; we have people on there from 12 years old to 80 years old.”
For more digitalbusinessacademyuk.com


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On EatSure users can call for food from multiple restaurants in a single order that's delivered all at once, with no delivery charges. Sagar Kochhar, co-founder, Rebel Foods, on the platform’s maiden campaign.
When we have food cravings, we may end up going for all sorts of combos - like manchow soup with mutton biryani. Especially, while ordering in a group, a person may want to have a burger, while another may want a chicken bhuna roll or garlic bread.
People find it difficult to zero in on one restaurant, especially during group ordering of food online. In such a situation, most people tend to compromise on their choice of food and end up ordering from one restaurant.
In order to address this consumer pain point, online restaurant brand Rebel Foods launched an ‘omnichannel platform’, called EatSure, in 2020. It allows users to order from multiple restaurants in a single order, without any delivery charges.
EatSure houses multiple Rebel and non-Rebel restaurants. It has just rolled out its first 360-degree campaign, titled #FoodcourtOnAnApp, created by Leo Burnett India. The campaign highlights how the platform is a solution to modern day food ordering issues.
Speaking to afaqs! about the platform, Sagar Kochhar, co-founder, Rebel Foods, says that in 2014, the brand pioneered the cloud kitchen format. It then wanted to look into the food and beverage (F&B) space from the lens of a consumer.
He explains, “When we see the F&B industry, it’s not just about ordering a burger or a pizza. The opportunity size in this industry is massive. Consumers move between a two-by-two grid that includes regular and indulgence means on one axis, and singular and group orders on the other. They move on this grid, and that was the holy grail of us when we decided to come up with EatSure, ”
Keeping this insight in mind, Rebel Foods wanted to move beyond the basic brick and motor restaurants. “EatSure wasn’t looking at different offerings for different needs and use cases,” adds Kochhar.
The two ad films in the campaign speak to two target groups. One highlights food ordering problems that a person in a group faces. The other one highlights food ordering problems that an entire family faces.
Speaking about the platform’s audience, Kochhar points out, “Our target group is pretty broad, because ultimately this is a problem that a college going student faces, as well as family members. People aged between 18 and 40 years form EatSure’s TG. The problem accentuates when people are ordering in a group. That is when users should think of our platform as the go-to one.”
EatSure hosts Rebel brands like Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, Mandarin Oak, Firangi Bake, Lunch Box, The Good Bowl, Sweet Truth and The Biryani Life as well as non-Rebel ones, like Anand Sweets, Mad Over Donuts, Naturals Ice Cream, etc. “Rebel Foods has also taken license for some global brands, like Wendy's that happens to be the third-largest burger brand globally. In just a year, we have been able to expand Wendy’s to 82 locations,” informs Kochhar.
When asked how EatSure is different from other food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato, he says that the core strength of conventional players is to pick up a product from point A and deliver it to point B. He believes that in the F&B space, there are very few players who are trying to solve a lot of problems.
In the entire food delivery experience, sometimes, the dessert may reach you before the starter. Paying multiple delivery fees is another hassle. EatSure was launched to address these specific pain points of online food delivery ecosystem.
“We are not trying to go after every other use case by being very sharp and focused on our offering of ‘food court on an app’. The entire campaign is also focused on acquiring more users. We don’t want to dilute our offering by trying to go after different value networks, like single meal orderers. We are only focused on the key problem that the platform is addressing,” states Kochhar.
"We don’t want to dilute our offering by trying to go after different value networks, like single meal orderers. We are only focused on the key problem that the platform is addressing."
EatSure can be accessed through the website as well as its mobile application. Most consumers use the app for ordering, as it’s more convenient.
The platform currently operates 450-plus kitchens in over 70 cities in 10 countries. It hosts about 4,000 Internet restaurants. EatSure follows precautionary and safety measures across its kitchens. It has stringent checks, zero artificial flavourings, medically-certified kitchen and delivery staff, and so on.
Both BTL and ATL will be a part of the campaign’s media mix. Using TV, digital and OOH, the campaign aims to create a whole new ‘food court on an app’ category by focusing on its core strength of ‘no-compromise orders’.
“Since it is a new category creation that Rebel Foods is doing with EatSure, our job is exciting, but it also becomes a lot more challenging. By delivering our message across mediums, our aim is to reach out to more people to increase our user base,” concludes Kochhar.
According to brand strategist Jasravee Kaur Chandra, EatSure is an attempt to bring all Rebel Foods’ brands under one umbrella in a separate app. It also aims to encourage customers to buy directly from their app and not through Zomato/Swiggy (which charge 30 to 40 per cent commission).
“The savings on delivery costs would be attractive for price-conscious customers. The customers may also end up saving on inflated prices on the Zomato app where in certain cases prices of the same dish on Zomato could be higher versus the printed price on the restaurant’s menu card. We have seen this trend in the case of Domino’s which gets a lot of orders directly on its app,” mentions Chandra.
She points out that Swiggy’s annual ordering trend (top orders per city) had no mention of pizza as the top-ordered food in any Indian city. Obviously, this doesn’t imply that people didn’t eat pizza. It just meant that most people moved to native apps of pizza companies. A quantum jump in Domino’s Pizza app downloads was also witnessed.
EatSure may also see a lot of traction, believes Chandra. However, a large chunk of customers will still go to Zomato and Swiggy for a wide variety of restaurant brands that they may offer or for items that aren't available on EatSure (say a Dal Khichdi).
“While platforms like Zomato and Swiggy offer discoverability, restaurants’ own apps like EatSure or Domino’s have an opportunity to promote loyalty & personalisation,” Chandra signs off.


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The highlights of the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite include a super AMOLED Infinity-O display with Snapdragon 855 SoC and 4,500mAh battery. Let's have a quick look at the device.
Samsung has just launched its latest mid-premium-range smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite in India. The launch comes weeks after Samsung launched the Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite at CES 2020. Samsung has also priced the S10 Lite at an impressive Rs 39,999 to take on the likes of OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, and more. The highlights of the smartphone include a super AMOLED Infinity-O display with Snapdragon 855 SoC and 4,500mAh battery. In addition, the device will also feature Android 10-based Samsung One UI 2.0 out of the box. Let’s have a quick look at the device.
You can read the text version of the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite first impressions here:


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Just a few years ago, sports betting was considered taboo; but now it is widely accepted, appreciated, and skyrocketing with at least six states in recent months passing legislation legalizing sports betting. These states have all expressed an interest in moving quickly, hoping to kick off sports betting by September 9, 2021, the date of the first regular season NFL game.
On April 12, 2021, the state senate passed a bill permitting both online and retail sports betting. Three days later, Governor Doug Ducey signed the bill into law. Since then, the Arizona Department of Gaming has been busy preparing the official sports betting regulations. Twenty sports betting licenses will be permitted, ten associated with professional sports franchises and ten with federally recognized tribes located in the state. Each license allows retail betting and an online skin or brand. Each professional team will be allowed one primary sportsbook on-premises and a second “adjacent” location in the vicinity.
Currently, there are at least five major deals between teams/tribes and online sportsbooks including: BetMGM and Gile River Indian Community; Caesars Sports and Arizona Diamondbacks; DraftKings and PGA (i.e., TPC Scottsdale); FanDuel and Phoenix Suns; and William Hill and Ak-Chin Indian Community.
A new gaming compact between the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Indian tribes was signed by Governor Ned Lamont on May 27, 2021. The compact awaits federal approval by the U.S. Department of Interior.
In preparation for launch by September 6, 2021, the regulatory and licensing process has begun. In addition to the tribal online and retail sportsbooks, the State Lottery is allowed to launch a single online sportsbook and online casino platform. Connecticut bettors will have the option of three online sportsbook apps. In addition to the Lottery’s sportsbook app, the Mashantucket Pequot tribe partnered with DraftKings to operate their official sportsbook. The Mohegan tribe partnered with Kambi. The Connecticut Lottery is expected to approve the online sportsbook platforms before the launch of up to fifteen retail sportsbooks across the state. The Lottery itself will open two retail sportsbooks in Hartford and Bridgeport.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new compact with the Seminole tribe in April 2021 to expand the tribe’s gaming capabilities and bring statewide mobile wagering, including sports betting, to the state. The compact in effect creates a monopoly for the Seminole tribe, wherein any and all sports bets must go through its tribal land servers. The state legislators approved the deal in May 2021; although the compact awaits federal approval by the U.S. Department of Interior.
The compact will permit online and retail sportsbooks through tribal casinos. Florida sports venues may also get in on the action; but the specifics of where and when are undetermined. The Seminole Tribe, however, does operate six casinos in the state and has agreements with the Hard Rock Stadium right outside of Miami. If the compact is approved, the number of potential online operators in Florida is still unknown, and it could be as few as one, most likely Hard Rock.
Louisianans were given the opportunity to vote on sports betting in their parishes in November 2020. The resulting votes concluded with 55 out of the 64 parishes legalizing sports betting in those locations. Based on a measure signed by Governor John Bel Edwards in June 2021, the state will allow betting on football, basketball, and other sporting events. Bettors will be permitted to place bets on mobile devices, in casinos, and at kiosks in bars and restaurants that serve liquor.
To be ready for the upcoming football season, the state senate amended the legislation to permit temporary licenses while the casinos build out a section for sports wagering. The legislation allows for 20 licenses to go to casinos. The casinos are required to build out a separate area to handle sports betting. Each license will permit licensees to have two platforms to handle betting over mobile devices: amounting to up to 40 licenses for mobile sports betting. The Louisiana Lottery Commission will also have a license but will be required to operate through a contracted provider, furnishing a total of 41 available sports betting skins in the state. Licensees will pay a $250,000 application fee and a $500,000 license fee for a five-year license. Retail sportsbooks will pay a 10% tax on net proceeds; and online sportsbooks will pay a 15% tax.
On May 18, 2021, Governor Larry Hogan signed the state’s online and retail sports betting law. It is now up to state regulators to approve and set additional rules, then select and license each sportsbook. As many as 60 online sportsbooks, the highest cap of any jurisdiction in the country, will be permitted in the state.
Some of the state’s six commercial casinos have already secured partnerships or plans for retail and online sportsbook launches. The law also permits the state’s major professional sports stadiums to open sportsbooks. Minor league stadiums, sports bars, and a variety of other types of small and locally owned business will be permitted to apply for a statewide mobile license.
Wyoming surprisingly advanced into the legal sports betting landscape in April 2021 when Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 133 into law. Legalized sports betting will be online only, with at least five expected sportsbook operators. The law requires a minimum of five licenses to be issued without setting a maximum. Only those sportsbooks that are operative in at least three other states will be qualified to apply.
A fall launch date for the above listed states is ambitious, yet reasonable. States such as Colorado and Indiana were able to transition from bill signing to a legally regulated industry in less than six months. Only time will tell which of these states will be ready to go by NFL kick-off, but one thing is for sure, the landscape of legal sports betting in the U.S. will be demonstrably different this NFL season.


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Pensacola, FL (March 8, 2022) – The Southern Super Series presented by Sunoco officials have announced that Earnest Performance will return as a sponsor of the series for the upcoming 2022 race season.
Earnest Performance has been supportive of the Southern Super Series since day one, and their continued support allows not only extras for the racers, but helps contribute to the overall growth of the Series as well.
“The Southern Super Series attracts a lot of great talent from the South, and many of them rely on Earnest Performance for all of their shock needs,” said Brannon Earnest. “It’s important for us to support those that support us, and therefore, we are proud to be a partner of the series.”
Earnest Performance was established in 2014 by veteran shock specialist Brannon Earnest. The Mooresville, NC company offers a full-service in-house shock program including everything from sales and service to at-track consulting. For more information about Earnest Performance, check out their web site at www.earnestperformance.com.
For more information on the Southern Super Series visit www.SouthernSuperSeries.com
- Southern Super Series Press Release


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Money can't buy happiness. Extremely wealthy people have their own set of
concerns: anxiety about their children, uncertainty over their relationships and
Mar 27, 2013 ... Hope a lottery win will make you happy forever? Think again, evidence suggests
a big payout won't make that much of a difference.
Whoever said, “money can't buy happiness” is either poor or wealthy beyond
their wildest dreams. The incessant amount of studies by researchers trying to ...
Jun 10, 2016 ... It's official, you really can't buy happiness: People who choose time over ... But a
new study has shown people who pick time over money are ...
Yes, money can buy you happiness. The issue is that a lot of people don't
understand what .... So anyone who tells you that money can't buy happiness -
especially because they think that happiness isn't an island in the Caribbean - is
The odd thing is that we all know, at least intellectually, that money won't buy
happiness. But unfortunately, we've been steeped in a culture so heavily
Money Can't Buy Happiness. by Dr Leong Tien Fock. This idea is not new. For
years, no, decades, we have heard it said. But recently, of all people, some ...
May 5, 2015 ... A recent study conducted by two Emory University economics professors
provides more evidence, documented by formal research, that money ...
Money itself can't buy happiness. I believe money itself cannot really buy
happiness. But one can buy things that brings happiness. For example, one can
Jul 3, 2006 ... When it comes to money, giving may buy a lot more happiness than getting.
Buffett may have been thinking of his soul -- "There is more than ...


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Each week app market intelligence firm Reflection, in partnership with Ukie, publish the top grossing and most downloaded gamesfrom the UK App Store.
So we’re sharing that data each week to give you an insight into how the UK mobile games market is evolving.
AR off to a quick start
Augmented reality has become the hot new technology in the mobile games space, particularly with the introduction of a brand new AR apps and AR Games categories on the App Store.
As it's known for, Ketchapp was quick to get in on the action, and for the week from September 18th to 24th, its title Stack AR burst into the UK iPhone download charts to nab third spot. That was one spot above another of its games, Rider.
Other new entries for the week included the FIFA 18 Companion app, Critical Hit's Jigsaw Puzzle, Play With Games' Gas Station 2: Highway Service and Voodoo's Idle Balls.
You can view the top 10 of each chart below.
Top 10 Free iPhone Games (UK)
Top 10 Paid iPhone Games (UK)
Top 10 Grossing iPhone Games (UK)
Top 10 Free iPad Games (UK)
Top 10 Paid iPad Games (UK)
Top 10 Grossing iPad Games (UK)


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2009 | Nutrition numbers serving size: 109 words
Big food companies team with academics to devise Smart Choices, a nutrition label designed to get simpler, clearer info on the front of packages. (The longer Nutrition Facts panel on the back was mandated by law in 1990.) Even Michael Jacobson—whose Center for Science in the Public Interest is the nation's leading nutrition-activism gadfly—is initially on board but quits amid controversy over the kinds of foods that are being labeled smart. The FDA finds the labels confusing, too, and a Tufts University nutrition dean ends up making an egg-on-face explanation to The New York Times about why sugary cereals got the Smart Choices nod.


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A research team in Italy studied acrylamide levels in over 15,000 food samples and found potato-based products and coffee were the top sources of exposure to the potentially carcinogenic compound. The study also revealed that mitigation measures by the European Union have made a significant difference over time, notably decreasing contamination levels. However, it equally emphasized continuous monitoring and strict regulation to maintain these improvements and ensure public health.
The World Potato Congress Inc. announces a webinar featuring WPC President Dr. Peter VanderZaag and Dr. André Devaux, focusing on the role of potatoes in global food security. The event, scheduled for November 28, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, will highlight the potato’s status as the world’s third most important food crop, its growing significance in developing regions, and the importance of scientific innovation for enhancing yield. Success stories and strategies for international collaboration in potato production will also be discussed.
This article, based on research by Stephen A. Fleming and Jenny R. Morris at Traverse Science in Illinois, challenges the negative perception of potatoes, focusing on their nutritional value and health impact. It argues that potatoes are high-quality carbohydrates, comparable to legumes and grains. The study highlights the importance of preparation methods and dietary context, showing that potatoes can contribute positively to a balanced diet and should not be excluded based on their glycemic index alone.
At the Food Systems Transformation symposium, experts highlighted the urgent need for a strategic overhaul of global food security methods. The event, hosted by Agrico and SeedNL, emphasized the importance of sustainable, inclusive food systems and the role of strategic policy in leveraging food as a geopolitical asset. Discussions covered the necessity of local focus, innovation, and multi-stakeholder cooperation, with a special mention of Africa’s challenges in value addition due to trade laws.
The UK potato industry has formed the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group (CRMG) to monitor chlorpropham (CIPC) residues in potatoes from stores previously using CIPC, now banned. The CRMG, led by Adrian Cunnington, seeks industry-wide cooperation to provide data to the Health & Safety Executive, ensuring continued safe use of these stores. The Group will act in the interests of the whole of the UK potato industry to ensure that the data submitted meets the standards expected by CRD. The group aims to maintain the temporary Maximum Residue Level for CIPC.
Hugo Campos, roots, tubers and banana breeding lead at CGIAR, discusses the global challenge of anemia, especially in children, in a recent article published by The Des Moines Register. Highlighting the higher prevalence in low-income countries, Campos emphasizes the potential of biofortification. The International Potato Center’s development of iron-enriched potatoes aims to combat anemia. These potatoes can provide essential iron, especially in regions with high potato consumption. This innovation offers a sustainable solution to address iron deficiencies and improve global health.
Fresh potatoes have emerged as a consistent sales force in the U.S. produce sector, offering retailers vast opportunities for increased customer interaction. Data reveals that effective merchandising significantly boosts potato sales. With the highest household penetration among vegetables, purchased on average 10 times annually, potatoes enhance sales for other items too. Their contribution to the produce department ensures overall store success, making them a valuable asset for retailers.
An article by Kayleen Schreiber and Marc Brazeau at the Genetic Literacy Project explores the safety and efficacy of modern pesticides. It highlights a significant reduction in pesticide use per unit of food and fiber and per capita, credited to increased food production yields since 1985. While toxicity remains a concern, levels have decreased, and biodegradability has enhanced. Both organic and conventional farming use pesticides, but modern ones are less toxic and more environmentally friendly. The article series emphasizes understanding pesticide risks amid rising global food needs.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Michigan have discovered that potato starch may modify the gut microbiome in bone marrow transplant patients, potentially reducing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) complications. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that over 80% of participants safely consumed the potato starch supplement, leading to increased gut butyrate levels. This dietary intervention could enhance the success of bone marrow transplants.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has informed Veg of Lund AB that they intend to approve the patent application “vegan potato emulsion,” which defines the company’s unique vegetable milk alternative. This means that the upcoming patent protection will cover the US market. The drink is marketed under the brand name DUG in several European markets.
The UK’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformation with the establishment of a new network of post-harvest research facilities. This initiative, resulting from the collaboration of ADAS, CHAP, NRI, and JHI, aims to enhance crop storage and post-harvest approaches. The facilities will focus on advanced research areas like supply chain tracking, energy-efficient storage management, and sustainable packaging. The goal is to bolster food supply chain resilience, reduce waste, and optimize food value chains.
‘Finding a needle in a potato sack’: Potato farmers prioritize inspection systems to ensure food safety
Farmers in North America, especially from Prince Edward Island (PEI), are prioritizing potato safety due to past incidents of metal contaminants in produce. In response, Fortress Technology introduced the Phantom metal detection system, designed to handle the unique challenges posed by potatoes. This system ensures high standards in the potato supply chain, emphasizing shared responsibility in food safety and the importance of upstream inspection to protect brands and guarantee consumer-safe products.
‘Potatoes Forever!’ campaign launched in Europe to promote sustainable practices in the potato industry
Europe has initiated a €3.2 million “POTATOES FOREVER!” campaign, spanning three years in France and Italy, to educate the public about sustainable practices in the potato sector. Funded 80% by the European Union, the campaign aims to highlight the industry’s efforts in biodiversity protection, water conservation, and eco-friendly farming. The initiative responds to consumers’ growing demand for transparency in food production and sustainability.
At the 2023 Potato Business Summit earlier this year, Kim Breshears of Potatoes USA highlighted the enduring popularity of potatoes in America. Studies show potatoes as the top vegetable for five consecutive years. While 40% of the U.S. potato crop goes to retail and food service each, 20% is exported. Despite a brief pandemic-induced dip, food service sales are rebounding, indicating a robust future for the potato industry. The data presented by Kim Breshears underscores the unwavering popularity of potatoes in the U.S. market.
The “Eye on Potatoes” podcast discussed the upcoming 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The U.S. potato industry aims to ensure accurate potato nutrition information is considered in the guidelines. NPC CEO Kam Quarles provided testimony to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The podcast also featured Beth Johnson, a food policy expert with over 25 years of experience, who has been working with NPC to promote the benefits of potatoes.
Addressing potato wart: Prince Edward Island and industry officials to draft plan for ‘pest-free places’
The potato sector of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) is collaborating with federal officials to develop a “pest-free places of production” (PFPP) system. Federal Agriculture Minister and P.E.I. MP Lawrence MacAulay on Friday reported meeting with staff and representatives of the P.E.I. Potato Board, to discuss next steps in the face of new potato wart-related restrictions on the province’s crops since 2021.
Crafting a super spud: Researchers set the stage for climate-resistant potatoes poised to enhance nutrition
Scientists have developed a “super pangenome” that encompasses the genetic diversity of multiple potato species to enhance its resilience and nutritional quality. The pangenome includes 296 potato varieties and 60 wild species, making it the most extensive genetic database for potatoes to date. The research team aims to improve potato germplasm for climate resilience and food security.
Glyphosate, a key herbicide globally, faces potential bans in Europe due to environmental and health concerns. Its prohibition could significantly impact European agriculture, especially high-value crops. The economic effects vary by country and farming system, with potential increased costs and yield losses. The decision to ban balances health risks against economic implications.
On National Potato Day, South Africa celebrates its long-standing love for potatoes, a vital part of its culinary history. As reported by Duncan Masiwa for Food for Mzansi, potatoes have been cherished for generations. Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes South Africa, highlights their unifying power and versatility. They’re not just a food source but also a symbol of unity and adaptability.
Swedish company DUG has revolutionized the plant-based milk industry with its innovative potato milk. Launched in 2021, this sustainable alternative uses significantly less land and water than traditional plant-based milks. Originating from Professor Eva Tornberg’s research at Lund University, the product boasts a unique amino acid profile and avoids common allergens. With its recent UK expansion and multiple awards, DUG is set to lead the sustainable food movement.
The “Managing Pesticides in Fresh Produce” course, offered by Practical Solutions International Ltd, aims to clarify the challenges of pesticide use and residue management, especially post-Brexit. Designed for technical managers working with European retailers, the course, tutored by Ian Finlayson, covers topics like EU pesticide legislation, sampling, and data analysis. Scheduled for September and November-December, it offers an interactive learning experience with practical examples. Testimonials praise the course’s practicality and relevance.
‘Alternative sprout inhibitors to replace CIPC to ensure the safety of human health’: An AI-guided study of scientific literature
This article explores the use of an AI-driven tool, The Literature, to investigate alternative sprout inhibitors that can replace chlorpropham (CIPC) to ensure human health safety. The tool taps into the PubMed database. A review of the literature suggests alternatives including microorganisms for biodegradation, cyclodextrin complexes, different chemical compounds, and essential oils. However, the article concludes that further research is needed to identify the optimal alternatives.
PepsiCo’s ESG journey: Promising advances reported in nutrition, agriculture, and environmental stewardship
PepsiCo has released its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Summary, showcasing the progress made through its transformation program, pep+. Notable results include reductions in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium in its products, an expansion of regenerative farming practices, surpassing diversity goals, improved water-use efficiency, and providing safe water access to millions of people. PepsiCo acknowledges the need for further progress in packaging and emissions reduction.
The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted a review of genetically modified soybean, tomato, and potato plants to assess potential risks. A modified plant, developed by Ohalo Genetics, produces higher levels of beta-carotene for enhanced nutritional value. APHIS determines whether these plants pose a greater plant pest risk compared to non-modified plants and issues a response accordingly.


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Microsoft reports $23.5 billion in revenue but misses Wall Street expectations
Sales of Surface tablets and laptops were off 26 percent.
Microsoft announced quarterly earnings Thursday afternoon, with earnings that beat expectations, while revenues just missed Wall Street consensus estimates.
The company reported $23.5 billion in revenue and earnings of $0.73 per share. Financial analysts had expected $23.6 billion in revenue and earnings of $0.70. Shares were down roughly 1.5 percent in after-hours trading.
Here are the company’s three business segments and their respective revenues:
- Productivity & Business Processes — $7.96 billion (up, driven by LinkedIn and Office 365)
- Intelligent Cloud — $6.76 billion (up)
- More Personal Computing — $8.84 billion (down)
LinkedIn contributed $975 million in revenue to Productivity & Business Processes.
More Personal Computing was the source of the revenues miss and was down 7 percent overall. In particular, Surface revenue was off a surprising 26 percent. However, Windows OEM revenue grew 5 percent. Search ad revenue was up 8 percent.
More detail, including the earnings slides, available here.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily MarTech. Staff authors are listed here.


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The wait is finally over! Big Bang’s Taeyang will be releasing his first full-length album titled “Solar” in July.
This news was announced on YG’s official website and Taeyang’s homepage (www.ygbigbang.com/taeyang) on Wednesday morning.
Solar will have two versions, an ordinary version and a deluxe edition. The second version will only have 30,000 copies and will contain the standard eleven songs plus Taeyang’s previous singles “Prayer” and “Only Look At Me” as bonus tracks.
The deluxe edition will be out in stores on July 1 and the ordinary version will be out on July 8. However, fans will not need to wait that long because each song will be unveiled, day by day, on Taeyang’s homepage from June 25 to June 30. The title track will be unveiled on July 1.
A YG official says, “Taeyang put his best efforts into making this first studio album. He wanted it to contain the music he had wanted to make for the past ten years, ever since he decided to become a singer at the age of thirteen.”
Let’s hope Taeyang’s album is a great success!


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| May 6, 2014
| 6:48 PM
Chinese Internet behemoth Alibaba has filed to sell shares in the U.S., the first step in what is expected to be one of the biggest initial public offerings ever.
The company, bigger than Amazon.com Inc. and EBay Inc. combined, said it was raising $1...
| Apr 15, 2014
| 3:30 AM
Reports: Consumer price index for March, April Empire State index, April NAHB housing market index, ICSC-Goldman Sachs and Redbook retail sales indexes for week ending April 12
Local earnings: Northern Trust, Wintrust Financial
Other earnings: Coca-...
| Apr 15, 2014
| 2:22 PM
Yahoo is still prospering from its lucrative investments in Asia while the Internet company's listless advertising sales are picking up under CEO Marissa Mayer, if ever so slightly.
The positive signs in a first-quarter report overshadowed a 20...
| May 15, 2014
| 11:08 AM
This is a week that Snapchat probably wishes were over.
Days after the mobile messaging app was slammed by government regulators for misleading users about the ephemerality of photo messages, a leading civil liberties organization singled the company...
| Feb 4, 2014
| 9:22 AM
IBillionaire Inc., a company that models investments of the world's wealthiest people, plans to offer an exchange traded fund this spring that will allow the public to "invest like a billionaire," its top executive said Tuesday.
After receiving about $1...
| Apr 9, 2014
| 5:52 PM
The "Heartbleed" software flaw that triggered alarm bells around the world could fundamentally undermine two decades' worth of efforts to persuade consumers they could trust the Web to securely handle such tasks as buying a pair of shoes and applying...
| Apr 11, 2014
| 10:42 PM
Tribune Co.'s newspaper unit will pay a dividend of up to $275 million to its parent when it is spun off later this year, according to a government filing.
The new Tribune Publishing Co. will own the Los Angeles Times and seven other newspapers....
| Feb 25, 2014
| 5:30 AM
The landmark deal between Comcast Corp. and Netflix Inc. resolves a simmering dispute over who will support America's growing Internet video habit.
Netflix has agreed to pay Comcast for a direct connection to the cable operator's broadband networks to...
| Jan 15, 2014
| 2:13 PM
SAN FRANCISCO -- Yahoo Inc. Chief Operating Officer Henrique de Castro will be leaving Thursday, the company said in a filing Wednesday.
The company did not give a reason for his abrupt departure in the regulatory filing and a Yahoo spokeswoman declined...
| Feb 7, 2014
| 5:00 AM
BEIJING — Want to engrave a few words in Chinese on your new iPad? No problem — Apple offers consumers in mainland China free personalization. Just don't get too political.
Say you type in the Dalai Lama's name in Chinese characters into...
| Feb 21, 2014
| 5:00 AM
SAN FRANCISCO — The $19 billion that Facebook Inc. is paying for a smartphone app, one of the biggest tech deals of all time, made jaws drop even in Silicon Valley, where entrepreneurs tend to have an inflated sense of their own worth.


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HUNDREDS of Islanders lined up outside a town music shop to get their hands on tickets for a concert featuring members of Britpop icons Ocean Colour Scene.
An acoustic show on 11 May at the Drift in the Royal Yacht Hotel will feature a “greatest hits” performance by Simon Fowler and Oscar Harrison, from the indie rock group.
The duo will be supported by singer-songwriter Steve Pilgrim, the former drummer for the alt-rock band The Stands.
A queue for tickets outside Island Music in Bath Street stretched into Minden Street, with tickets selling out in eight hours.
The show forms part of a series of community-focused events and concerts showcasing international and local artists organised by Island Music.
Shop owner Paul Sharkey said: “It is important to be more than just a shop. We want to bring people together and reach different demographics.
“It is amazing to have members of Ocean Colour Scene play. They were the band who got me into playing guitar, so it’s amazing to be able to book them for a gig. It’s all come full circle.
“I used to play with Steve back in Liverpool – he is an incredible drummer and singer.”
He added that the choice to sell physical rather than online tickets was to provide a more “old-school experience”.
“There is artwork on the ticket, which brings out the ideas surrounding the music,” he said. “It allows you to develop a physical and emotional connection to the music. And you can keep the ticket afterwards as a memory of the event.”
He added: “It even brought loads of newcomers into the shop who could then see what the shop was all about.
“It shows that things like this can still exist in today’s world and that people are still excited by the concept.”
Mr Sharkey took over the business in July last year, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning a music shop, after former owner Jonathan Scriven retired after 33 years.